a number of us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a number of us" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to several people within a group, often indicating a shared experience or opinion. Example: "A number of us have decided to participate in the community service project this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He first wrote for a number of US publications, including a regular column on Iran for the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Guardian

In recent years the French government has taken on a number of US internet and tech firms.

The Guardian

A number of US veterans who took part in the Normandy landings have also travelled to France today.

The Guardian

The communist country has welcomed a number of US cultural visits recently.

BBC

"We are already talking to a number of US airports," Berrington said.

BBC

A number of US senators have accused the TFBSO of wasting taxpayer dollars.

Vice

(Naloxone is currently available over-the-counter in a number of US states).

Vice

But a number of us love the product, and use the product.

TechCrunch

There were a number of us who did this and used it as an umbrella".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A number of US-based DukeEngage program leaders and alums will be present to help steer the conversation.

Duke University

Venture capital has played an important role in funding the development of a number of US high-technology industries.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a number of us" to indicate a subset of people within a larger group, particularly when the exact number is not important or unknown. For instance, "A number of us volunteered to help with the event."

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with "a number of us"; always use plural verbs to maintain grammatical correctness. For example, use "A number of us are going" instead of "A number of us is going".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a number of us" functions as a pronoun phrase that identifies a subset of a larger group. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to multiple individuals without specifying an exact quantity. Ludwig shows numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a number of us" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a subset within a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It conveys a sense of shared involvement or perspective, functioning as a pronoun phrase that works in both formal and informal settings, predominantly in news, academic, and business contexts. To ensure clarity, always use plural verbs with this phrase and consider context-appropriate synonyms like "several of us" or "many of us" for nuanced communication. The frequency of "a number of us" is common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several of us

Uses a more direct synonym for "a number", offering a slightly less formal tone.

many of us

Indicates a larger proportion of the group is included, suggesting a greater quantity.

some of us

Implies a smaller, less defined group within the whole.

a few of us

Suggests a distinctly small subset of the larger group.

a portion of us

More formal, suggesting a defined segment or share of the group.

a selection of us

Suggests a deliberate choice or sampling from the larger group.

certain of us

Highlights that specific individuals are included, emphasizing their particularity.

various of us

Implies diversity within the selected group, suggesting different characteristics or roles.

a contingent of us

More formal, indicating a representative or organized subgroup.

a segment of us

Highlights the portion of us that this refers to. A slice.

FAQs

How can I use "a number of us" in a sentence?

Use "a number of us" to refer to a subset of people within a larger group, indicating that several individuals are involved in a particular action or share a common trait. For example, "A number of us are planning to attend the conference next month".

What are some alternatives to "a number of us"?

You can use alternatives such as "several of us", "many of us", or "some of us depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a number of us is"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. Because "a number of us" refers to multiple individuals, you should always use a plural verb. The correct phrasing is "a number of us are".

How does the meaning of "a number of us" differ from "all of us"?

"A number of us" indicates a portion of a group, whereas "all of us" implies the entire group is involved. "A number of us" suggests some but not all individuals are participating or affected, while "all of us" suggests complete inclusion.